Boys Athlete of the Year: Jace Amaro, MacArthur

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June 25, 2011

Jace Amaro of MacArthur. Field athletes headed for state pose for pictures at Heroes Stadium on May 10, 2011. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By Express-News

MacArthur's Jace Amaro throws the shot in the 5A boys' shot put during the State Track & Field championships at Mike Myers Stadium on May 14, 2011. Amaro threw 61' 10" to take second place in the event. MARVIN PFEIFFER/mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

MacArthur's Jace Amaro competes in the Shot Put during the Region IV Track and Field meet Monday, May 2, 2011, at Alamo Stadium. Amaro finished in first place with a throw of 61 feet 7 inches.

MacArthur's Jace Amaro (right) fights for a rebound with Judson's Karl Wacker (left) and Cameron Griffin during the Brahmas' 56-54 second-round playoff victory in overtime at Paul Taylor Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Photo By Marvin Pfeiffer/PrimeTime Newspapers

MacArthur's Jace Amaro (top) pulls down a rebound over teammate Ben Lytle during the third quarter of the Brahmas' 56-54 second-round overtime victory over Judson at Paul Taylor Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Photo By Marvin Pfeiffer/PrimeTime Newspapers

MacArthur's Jon Kaster jumps on the back of Jace Amaro as Alonzo Lewis looks on after the Brahmas' 56-54 second-round overtime victory over Judson at Paul Taylor Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Photo By Marvin Pfeiffer/PrimeTime Newspapers

MacArthur's Jace Amaro gets past Judson's Karl Wacker (lright) for a layup during the first quarter of the Brahmas' 56-54 second-round playoff victory in overtime at Paul Taylor Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

MacArthur's Jace Amaro (left) and Reagan's Brad Coulter battle for a rebound during Reagan's 61-57 District 26-5A victory last week.

Did You Know? As Rivals.com's No. 3-ranked tight end and No. 52 overall prospect in the nation, Amaro is the highest-rated recruit to sign with Texas Tech since Rivals began ranking football players in 2002.

Catching up with Amaro

How's life at Texas Tech?

I got here for summer school, and the workouts are really intense and tough. I'm realizing how hard it is to adjust to college football and how much work it's going to take. I get up at 4 a.m. to work out while my friends are going to the beach and to the river. Every time I get tired though, I think about how I'm living a dream.

What is something odd about you?

I was pretty awful at football growing up. I thought I was going to be a basketball player. I was on the football team because I was big, but I didn't lead my team or anything. At Tejeda Middle School, we were 1-14-1 when I played there.

What's your favorite memory from your senior year?

The football playoffs. I think the football expectations were really high, and it seemed like we finally realized the potential we had and everything came together. The vibe and the team bond we had was really special. It was my first time ever playing in the playoffs, and to play until December where we were right there with Steele, it's something I'll never forget.

How was it being one of the many stars in San Antonio's football class of 2011?

There were so many great athletes who came out of the city this year, and getting to know all of them made the season even better. It's crazy how we're all already moving on to the next chapter, and I'm going to be playing against guys like Malcolm Brown (who signed with Texas) again in a few months.

Who's your biggest role model?

My dad, Bob Amaro. He's always been there for me. He text messages me inspiring quotes every day and gets me through a lot. He's a little on the fanatic side, but I appreciate that because it shows how much he cares.

He wore a silver wig to your games this season. Does that get retired now that you've graduated?

I hope so. Even if he finds a red one for Tech, he'll be a little harder to spot with 65,000 other fans in the crowd.

What's playing on your iPod?

I have a ton of stuff, except for country music. For a favorite, I'd probably have to go with Lil' Wayne.

Favorite sports movie: "Friday Night Lights"

Favorite quote: "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" — Muhammad Ali